WO2017036967A1

WO2017036967A1 - Valve clutch device and dosing unit with a value clutch device

Info

Publication number: WO2017036967A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/070202
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hanspeter Niklaus
Original assignee: F Hoffmann La Roche AG; Roche Diagnostics International AG; Roche Diabetes Care GmbH
Current assignee: F Hoffmann La Roche AG; Roche Diagnostics International AG; Roche Diabetes Care GmbH
Priority date: 2015-09-03
Filing date: 2016-08-26
Publication date: 2017-03-09
Anticipated expiration: 2018-03-03
Also published as: RU2707169C2; JP6855456B2; RU2018111525A3; KR20180048951A; US20180185573A1; RU2018111525A; JP2018526132A; EP3138593B1; US10912886B2; DK3138593T3; ES2772026T3; EP3138593A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a valve clutch device (10). The valve clutch device (10) includes a central member (100), the central member (100) extending along a central axis (A), the central member (100) including a drive coupler (101), the drive coupler (101) being designed to receive a driving torque around the central axis (A). The valve clutch device (10) further includes a coupling member (110), the coupling member (110) including at least one coupling pin (111), the at least one coupling pin (111) extending parallel to the central axis (A). The valve clutch device (10) further includes a valve member (120), the valve member being beared rotatable around the central axis (A) between an inlet valve position and an outlet valve position. The valve clutch device (10) further includes a sleeve member (130), the sleeve member ( 130) being designed to rotationally engage the valve member (120), the sleeve member (130) including at least one clamping member (131). The valve clutch device (10) is reversibly changeable between an unengaged configuration where a driving torque that is received by the central member (100) is not transmitted to the sleeve member (130) and an engaged configuration where the at least one coupling pin (111) is clamped between the elongated central member (100) and the at least one clamping member (131), thereby transmitting a driving torque that is received by the central member (100) via the sleeve member (130) to the valve member (120).

Description

VALVE CLUTCH DEVICE AND DOSING UNIT WITH A VALVE CLUTCH DEVICE

Technical Field

The present invention lies in the field of dosing units for liquid drugs as used in the context of drug infusion. The invention further lies in the field of valve clutch devices that form part of some dosing units.

Background and Prior Art

Ambulatory infusion devices are well known in the art for the administration of liquid drugs, for example in the therapy of Diabetes Mellitus by Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSI I ) as well as in pain therapy or cancer therapy. Ambulatory infusion devices are available from a number of supplies, such as Roche Diagnostics GmbH , Germany, or Medtronic MiniMed Inc. , CA, USA.

The EP 1 970677A1 discloses a system with a miniaturized metering piston pump with a dosing cylinder that is repeatedly coupled to and filled from a larger reservoir, followed by coupling the dosing cylinder to an infusion site and infusing the liquid drug out of the dosing cylinder in incremental steps and over an extended time period via displacing a piston. For alternatively coupling the dosing cylinder to the reservoir and the infusion site, a valve system is proposed. Reference is made to the EP 1 970677A1 for the basic operational prin- ciple and design of a dosing unit in accordance with the present document. Generally, a miniaturized metering piston pump according to the principle as laid down in the EP 1 970677A1 is in this document referred to as ^"dosing unit^". More particularly, the dosing unit is a generally disposable f luidic unit that is, for its application, coupled to further infusion pump components or devices, such as a drive unit which may include one or more actuators/motors, an electronic control unit, a liquid drug reservoir, and an infusion cannula, and is discarded after a use period of generally a few days up to two weeks.

Particular aspects and embodiments of dosing units and their operation that may be applied, alone or in combination, in the context of the present invention are disclosed in e.g. , EP25 1 0962, EP251 0960, EP269691 5, EP2457602, WO201 2/069308, WO201 3/029999 , EP2753380, EP21 63273 , EP2361 646.

Summary of Disclosure

Dosing units of the before-mentioned type may, in some embodiments, be realized with a single actuator (typically a motor) that is used for both valve switching and piston displacement. For those embodiments, however, the coupling mechanism for selectively coupling the drive with the valve and /or the piston is a particularly critical aspect. Favourably, valve switching shall be possible at any piston position within the cylinder by simply reversing the driving direction. Furthermore, the process of valve switching shall be associated with no or substantially no piston displacement in order to minimize dosing errors.

Further requirements that are to be met as far as possible are high reliability over the usage time, small dimensions and cost-efficiency since the coupling mechanism is part of a generally disposable product. It is an overall object of the present disclosure to improve the state of the art in the field of liquid drug dosing units. Favourably, some or all of the disadvantages of prior art solutions should be avoided or reduced.

The overall objective is in a general way met by the subject matter of the independent claims. Exemplary and /or particularly favourable embodiments are defined by the subject matter of the dependent claims and the overall disclosure of the present document.

In an aspect, the overall object is achieved by providing a valve clutch device. The valve clutch device includes a central member. The central member extends along a central axis and includes a drive coupler that is designed to receive a driving torque around the central axis.

The valve clutch device further includes a coupling member. The coupling member includes at least one coupling pin, the at least one coupling pin extending parallel to the central axis.

The valve clutch device further includes a valve member. The valve member is beared ro- tatable around the central axis between an inlet valve position and an outlet valve position. The valve clutch device further includes a sleeve member. The sleeve member is designed to rotationally engage the valve member and includes at least one clamping member.

The valve clutch device is reversibly changeable between an unengaged configuration where a driving torque that is received by the central member is not transmitted to the sleeve member and an engaged configuration where the at least one coupling pin is clamped between the elongated central member and the at least one clamping member, thereby transmitting a driving torque that is received by the central member via the sleeve member to the valve member. In some embodiments of the valve clutch device, the at least one coupling pin is in frictional engagement with the central member.

In some embod iments of the valve clutch device, the frictional engagement of the at least one coupling pin and the central member is changeable between a sliding frictional engagement and sticking frictional engagement in dependence of an angular position of the at least one coupling pin relative to the central member and/or in dependence of a direction of rotation of the central member around the central axis. The sticking frictional engagement may also be a clamping engagement where the at least one coupling pin is clamped between the central member and the clamping member and is accordingly in sticking frictional engagement with the central member as well as with the clamping member.

In some embodiments of the valve clutch device, the valve clutch device includes angularly spaced coupling pin blocks and a clamping member is arranged angularly symmetrical between two adjacent coupling pin blocks.

In some embodiments of the valve clutch device, the coupling pin blocks are formed by arm members of the valve member, the arm members extending generally parallel to the central axis.

The arm members of such embodiments project, in an assembled state, in distal direction from a valve member body, with gaps being present between the arm members.

In some embodiments of the valve clutch device, the coupling member includes a plurality of coupling pins and the sleeve member includes a corresponding plurality of associated clamping members. In an exemplary embodiment, three coupling pins and three associated clamping members are present, but another number of clamping members and coupling pins may be used as well. Generally, the coupling pins and clamping members are angularly symmetrically distributed. In some embodiments of the valve clutch device, the central member includes a threaded central member section with an outer thread and the valve member includes a corresponding inner thread. By applying a drive torque to the central member, the central member can move in a screw-like way relative to the valve member.

In some embodiments of the valve clutch device, the valve clutch device includes a valve member block, the valve member block blocking rotational movement of the valve member in the inlet valve position and the outlet valve position , respectively. In an embodiment, the valve member block is realized by a rim that extends along the valve member parallel to the central axis and is arranged to selectively abut and thereby engage blocking edges of a stationary member of a dosing unit or other blocking elements as generally known in the art, such as blocking pins, blocking protrusions or the like.

In some embodiments of the valve clutch device, the coupling member includes a coupling member base, the coupling member base being rotatable arranged around the central member with the at least one coupling pin projecting from the coupling member base. The coupling member base may especially be disc shape and have an e.g. circular aperture in which, in an assembled state, the central member is received.

In some embodiments of the valve clutch device, the central member, the coupling member, the sleeve member and the valve member are arranged coaxially with the central axis. In some embodiments of the valve clutch device, the central member is arranged in sealing and sliding engagement inside the valve member, the central member thereby serving as piston member.

In some embodiments of the valve clutch device, the drive coupler is designed for receiving a drive pin in sliding engagement along the central axis and in substantially rigid rotational engagement with respect to the central axis. Other types of d rive engagement, such as a toothed engagements, may be used as well.

In some embodiments of the valve clutch device, the valve member includes a cylinder and a valve member aperture in fluidic communication with an inner volume of the cylinder. In a further aspect, the overall object is achieved by providing a liquid drug dosing unit. The liquid drug dosing unit includes a valve clutch device as discussed before. The liquid drug dosing unit further includes a stationary member. The stationary member bears the valve member sealing and rotatable around the central axis. The stationary member further includes an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, wherein the valve member aperture is in fluidic communication with the inlet aperture in the inlet valve position and alternatively in fluidic communication with the outlet aperture in the outlet vale position.

Short Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a dosing unit in accordance with the present disclosure in a perspective view; Figure 2 shows a stationary member in an isolated perspective view;

Figure 3 shows a valve member in an isolated perspective view;

Figure 4 shows a central member in an isolated perspective view;

Figure 5 shows a drive member in an isolated perspective view;

Figure 6 shows a coupling member in an isolated schematic view;

Figure 7 shows a sleeve member in an isolated schematic view;

Figure 8 shows some components of a valve clutch device in an assembled cross-sectional view;

Figure 9a - 9e illustrate a valve switching sequence.

Exemplary Embodiments

In the following, reference is first made to figure 1 and figure 2. Figure 1 shows a dosing unit 1 in accordance with the present disclosure in a perspective view. The dosing unit 1 includes a valve clutch device 1 0 in accordance with the present disclosure and a stationary member 20. The stationary member is shown in figure 2 in an isolated perspective view.

In this document, the directional terms "proximal" and "distal" are used as follows: A movement of the piston of the dosing unit along the central axis that decreases the liquid filled volume of the dosing unit is a movement from the distal into the proximal direction. Likewise, a movement of the piston that increases the liq uid-filled volume is a movement from the proximal into the distal direction. A piston movement into the proximal direction is also referred to as "advancement", while a piston movement into the distal direction is also re- ferred to as "retraction". In figure 1 , the proximal and distal direction are indicated by "p" and "d", respectively. I n the further figures that show individual components of the dosing unit 1 , the same perspective is used.

With respect to the figures, it is further noted that features that are present more than once in the same or substantially the same way are generally only referenced once. Furthermore, features that are visible in more than one figure may not be referenced in all of them.

The stationary member 20 has a stationary member body 200 and a stationary member recess 201 . The stationary member recess 201 has a generally cylindrical inner contour and bears, in an assembled state, a valve member 1 20 sealing and rotatable around a central axis A. The stationary member 200 has two blocking edges 202a, 202b and the valve member 20 has a longitudinal rim 1 25 that selectively engages the blocking edges 202a, 202b. As will be explained further below, the rim 1 25 further serves for coupling the valve member 1 20 with the sleeve member 1 30.

In combination, the blocking edges 202a, 202b and the rim 1 25 form a valve member block that limits the rotational movement of the valve member 1 20 to a range between an inlet valve position and an outlet valve position of exemplarily 1 80°.

At its proximal end, the valve member 1 20 comprises valve member aperture ( not visible). In the inlet valve position, the valve member aperture is aligned and thereby in communication with the inlet aperture ( not visible) of the stationary member 200. In the outlet valve position, the valve member aperture is aligned and thereby in communication with the outlet aperture ( not visible) of the stationary member 200. In the rotational position between the inlet valve position and the outlet valve position, the valve member aperture is generally fluidic isolated from both the inlet aperture and the outlet aperture. In an operational state, the fluidic inlet aperture is fluidic operational coupled with the drug reservoir, such as an insulin reservoir, while the outlet aperture is fluidic operational coupled with an infusion cannula either directly or via an infusion line, such as a tubing.

The stationary member 20 further includes an optional fluidic platform 202. The fluidic platform 202 comprises a fluidic pressure sensor in operated coupling with the outlet ap- erture and arranged between the outlet aperture and the infusion cannula. Further disclosure regarding this type of pressure sensor can be found in the EP2295096. This type of pressure sensor, however, is not essential. Other types of pressure sensors as well as further sensors such as flow sensors, may be used additionally, or alternatively. In further embodiments, no sensors are present. Inside the valve member 1 20, an central member 1 00 ( not visible in figure 1 ) is coaxially arranged in screwed engagement as will be explained further below. A sleeve member 1 30 is coaxially arranged around the valve member 1 20.

In the following, reference is additionally made to figure 3 , and figure 4. showing the valve member 1 20 and the central member 1 00 in an isolated perspective view. Figure 3 shows the valve member 1 20 in an isolated view and figure 4 shows the central member 1 00 in an isolated view. The valve member 1 20 has a generally elongated shape with a hollow cylindrical valve member body 1 21 that is sealing and rotational received by the stationary member access 201 as explained before. In distal direction, exemplarily three arm members 1 22 project from the valve member body 1 21 .

In a rear or distal end section, the three arm members 1 22 have an inner thread 1 23. The inner thread 1 23 is designed for favourably play-free engagement with a corresponding outer thread 1 02 of the central member 1 00. Favourably, the arm members 1 22 exert some inwards-directed radial force, thus biasing the threaded engagement.

At their rear or distal ends, the arm members 1 22 have radially outwards-directed protrusions 1 24. The function of the protrusions 1 24 will be discussed further below in the context of the valve operation. The circumferential surfaces of the arm members 1 22 further serve as coupling pin blocks 1 22a as will also be discussed in the context of valve operation.

In a front or proximal end section, the valve member 1 20 has a generally cylindrical valve member head 1 26, that is designed for engaging the stationary member 200 exemplarily via a biased snap fit (see also figure 1 ).

The central member 1 00 has an elongated body ( not referenced ) that carries, in a rear or distal section, the before-mentioned outer thread 1 02. Proximal from the outer thread 1 02, the central member 1 00 has a protruding circumferential central member seal 1 03 that is designed to be sealing and slid ing received by the hollow cylinder of the valve member 1 20.

Via the engagement of the outer thread 1 02 with the inner threaded segments 1 23 , the central member 1 00 is movable relative to the valve member 1 20 along the central axis A in a screw-like way between a most retracted and a most advanced position. The length of the outer thread 1 02 corresponds to or is somewhat larger than the displacement range between the most retracted and the most advanced position.

For a given relative position of the central member 1 00 relative to the valve member 1 20, a volume exists inside the valve member body 1 21 that is generally f luidic isolated, but may, via the valve member aperture as explained before, be in fluidic communication with the inlet valve aperture in the inlet valve position or with the outlet valve aperture in the outlet valve position, respectively. The valve member 1 20 accordingly serves as cylinder and the central member 1 00 serves as piston. Liquid can be drawn into the cylinder by moving central member/piston 1 00 in the retracted (distal ) direction with the valve member ap- erture being in fluidic communication with the inlet aperture. Similarly, liquid can be expelled out of the cylinder by moving the central member/piston 1 00 into the advanced ( proximal) direction with the valve member aperture being in fluidic communication with the outlet aperture.

At its proximal end , the central member has a generally cylindrical central member head 1 04 of red uced outer diameter as compared to the central member body. In the most advanced ( most proximal) position of the central member 1 00 relative to the valve member 1 20, the central member head 1 04 is received inside the valve member head 1 26. It is to be noted, however, that the presence of the valve member head 1 26 and the central member head 1 04 is not essential. Alternatively, the proximal front surface of the central mem- ber 1 00 and the inner front surface of the valve member body 1 21 may be flat or have another suited shape.

In a rear or distal section, generally overlapping with the outer thread 1 02 , the central member 1 00 further has a drive coupler 1 01 . The drive coupler 1 01 is exemplarily realized by a an elongated recesses 1 01 that extends along the central axis A and has a non-circular (exemplarily cross -shaped ) cross section.

In the following, reference is additionally made to figure 5. Figure 5 shows the drive member 3 in an isolated perspective view. The drive member 3 is of generally elongated shape and comprises an elongated drive pin 30 of non-circular cross section. The drive pin 30 is dimensioned to fit into the recesses 1 01 with sliding and substantially play free engagement. At its distal end, the drive member 3 comprises an motor coupler 32 that is exemplarily realized as non-circular recesses of, for example, star-shaped cross-section. Via the motor coupler 32, the drive member 3 receive, in operation, a drive torque that is trans- mitted to the central member 1 00 and /or the valve member 1 20 as will be explained further below. The motor coupler 32 is arranged in a cylindrical distal section 33 of the drive member 3.

In the following, reference is additionally made to figure 6. Figure 6 shows the coupling member 1 1 0 of the valve clutch device 1 0 in an isolated perspective view. The coupling member 1 1 0 comprises a disk -shaped coupling member base 1 1 2 with a central borelike through-opening 1 1 3. The throug h-opening 1 1 3 is dimensioned to receive the distal section 33 of the drive member 3 in sliding engagement, such that the coupling member base 1 1 2 is arranged rotatable around the central member drive member 3. In an assembled state, the coupling member 1 1 0 is arranged proximal of the drive member 3. A number of exemplarily three coupling pins 1 1 1 project from the coupling member base 1 1 2 in proximal direction. In an assembled state, they extend parallel to and around the threaded central member section 1 02 and contact the threaded central member section 1 02 in frictional engagement. In the following, reference is additionally made to figure 7. Fig ure 7 shows the sleeve member 1 30 of the of clutch device 1 0 in an isolated perspective view. The sleeve member 1 30 has a general tubular shape with a sleeve body 1 33. The sleeve member 1 30 comprises longitudinal sleeve slots 1 32 that correspond in numbers to the arm members 1 22 of the valve member 1 20. In an assembled state, the sleeve member 1 30 is arranged around the coupling member 1 1 0 and the central member 1 00. Further in the assembled state, the protrusions 1 24 radially project into the sleeve slots 1 32. The engagement of the protrusions 1 24 with the sleeve slots rotationally couple, together with the engagement of the rim 1 25 with the notch 1 34, the valve member 1 20 with the sleeve member 1 30.

In a proximal section, proximal to the sleeve slots 1 32, the sleeve member 1 30 further comprises a notch 1 34, the notch 1 34 extending axially on the inside of the coupling sleeve 1 30. In an assembled state, the notch 1 34 receives and operationally engages the rim 1 25 of the valve member 1 20, thus rotatable coupling the valve member 1 20 and the sleeve member 1 30.

The sleeve device 1 30 further comprises a number of clamping members 1 3 1 in form of protrusions that extend radially inward from the body of the sleeve member 1 30 in a proximal section of the sleeve member 1 30, as best visible in the following figures. The clamping members 1 3 1 have a convex cross section and are designed to selectively clamping the coupling pins 1 1 1 to the threaded central member section 1 02.

In the following, operation of the dosing unit 1 and in particular of the valve clutch device 1 0 will be described with additional reference to figure 8 and figures 9a - 9e. As will become more readily apparent in the following, the valve clutch device 1 0, and in particular the coupling member 1 1 0 and the sleeve member 1 30 are core elements this embodiment of a valve clutch device 1 0. In a first configuration providing a drive torq ue allows the central member 1 00 to move inside and relative to the valve member 1 20 in a screw-like manner, with the valve member 1 20 staying in rest.] The corresponding configuration of the valve clutch device 1 0 is referred to as ^"unengaged configuration^". In the unengaged con- figuration, liquid can be drawn into the dosing unit 1 by moving the central member 1 00 -which serves as piston - into the distal direction. Similarly, liquid can be expelled out of the dosing unit 1 by moving the central member 1 00 into the proximal direction.

In the alternative engaged configuration, the central member 1 00 and the valve member 1 20 are rotationally coupled via the coupling member 1 1 0 and the sleeve member 1 30. In the engaged configuration, a drive torque that is applied to the central member 1 00 is transmitted to the valve member 1 20. Consequently, the central member 1 00 and the valve member 1 20 are rotated relative to and inside the stationary member 20 between the inlet valve position and the outlet valve position, respectively. Between the central member 1 00 and the valve member 1 20, no relative movement occurs in the engaged configuration.

Figure 8 shows the central member 1 00, the sleeve member 1 30, and the coupling pins 1 1 1 of the coupling member 1 1 0 in a perspective sectional view and in an assembled state, with the section plane being indicated in figure 1 . Figure 8 shows the components in the engaged configuration of the valve clutch device 1 0. In the engaged state, the clamping members 1 3 1 clamp the coupling pins 1 1 1 against the central member 1 00 ( more particularly, against the threaded central member section 1 02 ), such that sticking friction is present between the central member 1 00 and the coupling pins 1 1 1 , as well as between the coupling pins 1 1 1 and the sleeve member 1 30. No relative motion between the central member 1 00, the coupling member 1 1 0, and the sleeve member 1 30 can accordingly occur in this engaged configuration. Exerting a driving torque onto the central member 1 00 accordingly results in a common rotational movement of the central member 1 00, the coupling member 1 1 0, and the sleeve member 1 30 in the engaged configuration. Furthermore, since the valve member 1 20 is rotationally coupled to the sleeve member 1 20 via engagement of the rim 1 25 and the notch 1 34, also the valve member 1 20 moves together with the sleeve member 1 30 in the engaged configuration.

In the unengaged configuration, the central member 1 00, the coupling pins 1 1 1 , and the sleeve member 1 30 are, in contrast, rotatable relative to each other. In particular, the cou- pling pins 1 1 1 are not clamped by the clamping members 1 3 1 and can accordingly not transmit a driving torque from the central member 1 00 to the sleeve member 1 30. The central member 1 00 can accordingly rotate independent from the sleeve member 1 30 and the valve member 1 20 in the unengaged configuration.

The sectional drawings of figure 9a to 9e illustrate the operation of the valve clutch device 1 0 for switching between the inlet valve position and the outlet valve position, respectively.

Figure 9a shows the situation when the rotational direction of the drive, that is, the direction of the drive torque that is applied to the central member 1 00, is reversed. It is assumed that, prior to the situation as shown in figure 9a, the central member 1 00 has been rotated in a counter-clockwise direction (counter to the direction as indicated by arrow R) and now starts rotation in the clockwise direction ( into the direction as indicated by arrow R) . In the situation as shown in figure 9a, the valve member aperture is in alignment and f luidic coupling with the inlet aperture as explained before. Assuming the outer thread 1 02 and the inner thread 1 23 to be right-hand threads, the central member 1 00 has, prior to the situation shown in Figure 9a, accordingly be moved into the distal direction, thus increasing the liquid-filled volume of the dosing unit 1 as explained before. It can further be seen from Fig. 9a that the coupling pins 1 1 1 each abut a corresponding coupling pin block 1 22a. The situation of figure 9a further corresponds to the situation as shown in figure 1 with the rim 1 25 abutting the upper blocking edge 202a.

As a driving torque is applied in the direction R as shown in Figure 9a, the central member begins a screw-like motion to the proximal direction. Due to the frictional engagement of the coupling pins 1 1 1 with the central member 1 00 as explained before, a corresponding movement is carried out by the coupling member 1 1 0, with the threaded central member section 1 02 and the coupling pins 1 1 1 being in sticking frictional engagement. The sleeve member 1 30 and the valve member 1 20, in contrast, do not move and maintain their position.

As the driving torque is further applied into the direction R, the coupling pins 1 1 1 will come in contact with the clamping members 1 3 1 . This situation is shown in Fig. 9b.

As the driving torque is still further applied into the direction R, the driving pins 1 1 1 are being aligned with clamping members 1 3 1 and are accordingly clamped between the clamping members 1 3 1 and the central member 1 00, resulting in the coupling pins 1 1 1 being in sticking frictional engagement with both the clamping members 1 3 1 (and, ac- cordingly, the sleeve member 1 30 as a whole), and the central member 1 00. This situation is shown in Figure 9c. The change from the situation of figure 9b to the situation of figure 9c corresponds to a change of the valve clutch device from the unengaged to the engaged configuration. As the driving torque is still further applied into the direction R, the central member 1 00, the coupling member 1 1 0 and the sleeve member 1 20 will, due to the before-explained clamping, rotate together into the direction R. Since the valve member 1 20 is, via the engagement of the rim 1 25 with the notch 1 34 and via the engagement of the protrusions 1 24 with the sleeve slots 1 32, coupled to the sleeve member 1 30, the valve member carries out the same rotational movement and according ly rotates within the stationary member recess 201 . The contact between the rim 1 25 and the blocking edge 202a is cancelled as the valve member 1 20 starts moving.

As the driving torque is still further applied into the direction R, the rim 1 25 will, after a rotation about 1 80°, abut the lower blocking edge 202b, thereby preventing further movement of the valve member 1 20 and the sleeve member 1 30. This situation is shown in figure 9d. In this situation, the valve member aperture is aligned with the outlet aperture.

As the driving torque is still further applied into the direction R, clamping of the clamping pins 1 1 1 will be cancelled, and the central member 1 00 and coupling member 1 1 0 further rotate in sticking frictional engagement, while sleeve member 1 20 and the valve member maintain their position. The cancelling of the clamping corresponds to a change of the valve clutch device from the engaged into the unengaged configuration.

Finally, the coupling pins 1 1 1 hit and thereby abut again coupling pin blocks 1 22a as shown in figure 9e. With the coupling pins 1 1 1 abutting the coupling pin blocks 1 22a, the valve switching is finished. By comparing the situation as shown in figure 9e with the situation as shown in figure 9a, it can be seen that the configurations are largely identical, except from the sleeve member 1 30 (and the valve member 1 20) being rotated by 1 80° and the coupling pins 1 1 1 abutting different coupling pin blocks 1 22a. Subsequently further applying a driving torque into the direction R will result in only the central member carrying out a screw-like movement into the proximal direction, thus reducing the liquid-filled volume of the dosing unit 1 as explained before. During the further screw-like movement of the central member 1 00, the coupling pins 1 1 1 are, due to their blocking by the coupling pin blocks 1 22a, in sliding frictional engagement with the central member 1 00.

If the direction of the driving torque is reversed, the before-mentioned steps will be run through in the reverse order and the dosing unit will be switched from the outlet valve position into the inlet valve position.

Claims

1. Valve clutch device (10), the valve clutch device ( 10) including: a central member ( 100), the central member ( 100) extending along a central axis (A), the central member (100) including a drive coupler (101), the drive coupler (101) being designed to receive a driving torque around the central axis (A); a coupling member (110), the coupling member (110) including at least one coupling pin (111), the at least one coupling pin (111) extending parallel to the central axis (A); a valve member (120), the valve member being beared rotatable around the central axis (A) between an inlet valve position and an outlet valve position; a sleeve member ( 130), the sleeve member ( 130) being designed to rotation- ally engage the valve member (120), the sleeve member (130) including at least one clamping member (131); wherein the valve clutch device ( 10) is reversibly changeable between an unengaged configuration where a driving torque that is received by the central member (100) is not transmitted to the sleeve member ( 130) and an engaged configuration where the at least one coupling pin ( 111 ) is clamped between the elongated central member ( 100) and the at least one clamping member (131 ), thereby transmitting a driving torque that is received by the central member (100) via the sleeve member (130) to the valve member ( 120).

Valve clutch device ( 10) according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one coupling pin ( 111 ) is in f rictional engagement with the central member ( 100).

Valve clutch device ( 10) according to claim 2, wherein the frictional engagement of the at least one coupling pin (111) and the central member ( 100) is changeable between a sliding frictional engagement and sticking frictional engagement in dependence of an angular position of the at least one coupling pin ( 111 ) relative to the central member ( 100) and /or in dependence of a direction of rotation of the central member ( 100) around the central axis (A).

Valve clutch device (10) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the valve clutch device ( 10) includes angularly spaced coupling pin blocks ( 122a) and a clamping member (131) is arranged angularly symmetrical between two adjacent coupling pin blocks (122a).

Valve clutch device ( 10) according to claim 4, wherein the coupling pin blocks ( 122a) are formed by arm members (122) of the valve member ( 120), the arm members (122) extending generally parallel to the central axis (A).

Valve clutch device (10) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling member (110) includes a plurality of coupling pins (111 ) and the clamping member ( 130) includes a corresponding plurality of associated clamping members (131).

Valve clutch device (10) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the central member ( 100) includes a threaded central member section (102) with an outer thread and the valve member (120) includes a corresponding inner thread (123).

Valve clutch device (10) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the valve clutch device (10) includes a valve member block (125), the valve member ( 120) blocking rotational movement of the valve member ( 120) in the inlet valve position and the outlet valve position, respectively.

Valve clutch device (10) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling member (110) includes a coupling member base (112), the coupling member base (112) being rotatable arranged around the central member (100) with the at least one coupling pin (111 ) projecting from the coupling member base (112).

Valve clutch device (10) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the central member (100), the coupling member (110), the clamping member (130) and the valve member are arranged coaxially with the central axis (A).

Valve clutch device (10) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the central member (100) is arranged in sealing and sliding engagement inside the valve member ( 120), the central member ( 100) thereby serving as piston member.

1 2. Valve clutch device ( 1 0) according to either of the preced ing claims, wherein the drive coupler ( 1 01 ) is designed for receiving a drive pin ( 30) in sliding engagement along the central axis (A) and in substantially rigid rotational engagement with respect to the central axis (A) .

1 3. Valve clutch device ( 1 0) according to either of the preced ing claims, wherein the valve member ( 1 20) includes a cylinder and a valve member aperture in fluidic communication with an inner volume of the cylinder.

14. Liquid drug dosing unit ( 1 ), the liquid drug dosing unit ( 1 ) including: A valve clutch device ( 1 0) according to claim 1 3 ; a stationary member ( 20 ), the stationary member ( 20) bearing the valve member ( 1 20) sealing and rotatable around the central axis (A); the stationary member ( 20) including an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, wherein the valve member aperture is in fluidic communication with the inlet aperture in the inlet valve position and alternatively in fluidic communication with the outlet aperture in the outlet vale position.